# Blog > Articles for patients by Prof. Dr. Ayşenur Meriç Hafız on thyroid, salivary gland, neck and laryngeal diseases. Source: https://www.profaysenurmerichafiz.com/blog/ Updated: 2026-09-30 Blog Short articles on thyroid, salivary gland, neck and laryngeal diseases, written in plain language for patients. - - - - - ## Thyroid 1. [What is thyroid cancer?A short introductory article explaining, in plain language, the thyroid gland, what it does and how thyroid cancer develops. You can start the series here.Read more](https://www.profaysenurmerichafiz.com/blog/what-is-thyroid-cancer/) 2. [What are the symptoms of thyroid cancer?From a swelling in the neck to a change in the voice: a short, plain-language guide to the warning signs of thyroid cancer and when to see a doctor.Read more](https://www.profaysenurmerichafiz.com/blog/what-are-the-symptoms-of-thyroid-cancer/) 3. [Causes and risk factors of thyroid cancerWhat causes thyroid cancer is not fully known: genetic changes, and three factors that raise the risk (female sex, radiation and inherited syndromes).Read more](https://www.profaysenurmerichafiz.com/blog/causes-of-thyroid-cancer/) 4. [Treatments for thyroid cancerFrom thyroidectomy and lobectomy to hormone therapy and radioactive iodine: a guide that walks through the steps of thyroid cancer treatment one by one.Read more](https://www.profaysenurmerichafiz.com/blog/thyroid-cancer-treatments/) 5. [Thyroid ultrasoundA quick and radiation-free imaging method: the role of thyroid ultrasound in assessing nodules and what it can tell you during your examination.Read more](https://www.profaysenurmerichafiz.com/blog/thyroid-ultrasound/) 6. [Is a neck ultrasound always necessary during a check-up?Neck ultrasound in a routine check-up: what it shows, and why it is recommended. A short, clear assessment to read before your check-up.Read more](https://www.profaysenurmerichafiz.com/blog/neck-ultrasound-during-check-up/) ## Salivary glands 1. [What is a salivary gland tumour? Causes and symptomsWhat a salivary gland tumour is, whether it is serious, what causes it and its first signs: a short, plain-language guide to tumours that are mostly benign.Read more](https://www.profaysenurmerichafiz.com/blog/salivary-gland-tumour-causes-and-symptoms/) 2. [Salivary gland tumours: diagnosis, treatment and the risks of surgeryUltrasound first, MRI and a needle biopsy if needed; surgery that is usually enough on its own, and protecting the facial nerve: from diagnosis to treatment.Read more](https://www.profaysenurmerichafiz.com/blog/treatment-of-salivary-gland-tumours/) 3. [Will I get facial paralysis after salivary gland surgery?The question patients ask most about parotid surgery: how the facial nerve is protected, and the signs of facial paralysis.Read more](https://www.profaysenurmerichafiz.com/blog/facial-paralysis-after-salivary-gland-surgery/) 4. [Why does a salivary gland swell?A stone, an infection or a tumour? We explain, in plain language, the main causes of a swollen salivary gland and when you need to see a doctor.Read more](https://www.profaysenurmerichafiz.com/blog/why-does-a-salivary-gland-swell/) ## Neck 1. [Branchial cleft cystA neck cyst present from birth but usually noticed in the twenties: its two forms, cyst and fistula, the signs of infection and when it is operated on.Read more](https://www.profaysenurmerichafiz.com/blog/branchial-cleft-cyst/) 2. [Branchial cleft cyst treatmentWhy is surgery usually recommended, what does the operation involve and why is the cyst removed together with its tract? This article answers these common questions.Read more](https://www.profaysenurmerichafiz.com/blog/branchial-cleft-cyst-treatment/) 3. [Thyroglossal duct cystA common cause of a swelling in the exact midline of the neck: the thyroglossal duct cyst. We explain its diagnosis and the operation that prevents it recurring.Read more](https://www.profaysenurmerichafiz.com/blog/thyroglossal-duct-cyst/) 4. [Eagle syndromeA little-known cause of throat pain that worsens when you yawn or turn your head, with pain spreading to the ear: an elongated styloid, or Eagle syndrome.Read more](https://www.profaysenurmerichafiz.com/blog/eagle-syndrome/) 5. [Eagle syndrome treatmentShortening the styloid process is the main treatment for Eagle syndrome: the approaches through the mouth, through the neck and with an endoscope compared.Read more](https://www.profaysenurmerichafiz.com/blog/eagle-syndrome-treatment/) 6. [How are enlarged lymph nodes diagnosed?If you have noticed an enlarged lymph node in your neck, diagnosis follows a clear order: examination, ultrasound and, if needed, a biopsy. Each step is explained here.Read more](https://www.profaysenurmerichafiz.com/blog/diagnosing-enlarged-lymph-nodes/) ## Larynx and mouth 1. [Will I lose my voice?The question laryngeal cancer patients ask most often. What to expect at each stage, how the voice is preserved and, when necessary, how it is regained.Read more](https://www.profaysenurmerichafiz.com/blog/will-i-lose-my-voice/) 2. [How does tongue cancer develop?From dental trauma to HPV: the factors that raise the risk of tongue cancer, its first signs, and which sores need to be examined by a doctor.Read more](https://www.profaysenurmerichafiz.com/blog/how-does-tongue-cancer-develop/) 3. [How is tongue cancer treated?From surgery through the mouth to robotic surgery and radiotherapy: the treatment options for tongue cancer and how the decision is made, in patient-friendly language.Read more](https://www.profaysenurmerichafiz.com/blog/how-is-tongue-cancer-treated/) Contact ## For appointments and questions WhatsApp is the fastest way to reach us. You can also call, or use the contact form. [Message on WhatsApp](https://wa.me/905358113949?text=Hello%2C%20I%20would%20like%20to%20request%20an%20appointment.)[+90 535 811 39 49](tel:+905358113949)[Request an appointment](https://www.profaysenurmerichafiz.com/contact/#form)